Peter McGuckian replied:

Wayne,

I have used a Hayes-Lemerz brake controller in my old 60 series and have used a Tekonsha Voyager in my GU Patrol. I tow an Ultimate camper. The Tekonsha works best. Very simple and reliable. Cost was about $130.

Peter

Member - Captain (WA) replied:

Hi Waynepd,

I have the Hayes Lumerz Energise III electric brake contoller. It is a true "motion sensing" unit plus has manual overide. I believe they are around ~$150, but I have had mine for several years so not sure about exact cost.

When buying a brake controller, there are two main types, the "time" based and "motion sensing". Additional features are manual overide (must have IMHO).

A time based controller simply applies a proportion of brake percentage for first ~2 seconds (not sure of exact time) and then increase brake effort regardless of vehicle speed or rate of slow down. They have a setup wheel to adjust the relative proportion of brake % (a heavier van needs more % than a lighter one, or when on different surfaces - bitumen/gravel). These units are very simple and relaible, but IMHO do not offer the correct amount of braking for different conditions.

Motion sensing, like the Hayes Energise III, has a sensor that measures the rate of decelleration. If only gently applying the brakes, only a small force is applied. if a panic stop, maximum braking is applied. If stopped at lights but foot still on brake, only minimum brake % applied. Additionally, this unit has a hand overide so the electric brakes can be applied independently of the vehicle brakes, great if the van gets the wobbles up, simply apply only the van brakes and it straightens instantly.

Also, it has the gain control (pretty sure all units have) to adjust the proportion of brake effort.You only need to set this up once each trip to proportion the brake effort as it varies depending on the weight in the van (is very easy to do). When going from bitumen to gravel, I find I have to adjust the gain control as otherwise the van wheels lock up a bit early.

As for the Tekonsha, while I have heard of this brand, I do not know what type it is or what features it has. I have had the Energise III for several years and it has also worked very well (think it has 5 years warranty) and can thoroughly recommend it from experience.

Cheers

Captain

Rosscoe replied:

I use a Hayman Reece in my 2004 Pajero NP Diesel (came out of my 2001 NM petrol when I sold it). I tow a 16 ft off-road (dirt-road, really) caravan. Works fine. Easy to use and adjust. Cost about $300 from memory. Recommend whatever you install, to run heavy cable (min 6mm) to the trailer connector.

The Banjo replied:

I bought a Tekonsha prodigy in SA for $300 - was quoted about $280 in Brisbane.
Check em out at www.tekonsha.com..........I thought I'd heard enough to establish that Tekonsha were the main global players in el brakes. Don't know about the others, but Tekonsha seems to have a ridgy lifetime warranty.

andysgu replied:

l could give you some where in Melb but Syd wouldnt have a clue try one of the big caravan accesorie dealers if you get a good one they will fit it and test it on your caravan and show you how to use it properly.

Waynepd (NSW) replied:

Well as usual, you guys have come through again.....thanks for the thoughts i will research based on these comments....